Grande Ronde River by Dory

Springtime in Oregon on the beautiful Grande Ronde River. The birds are singing and the flowers are in bloom. The water flows gently through the majestically forested canyon. A five day raft trip on this gem of a river is the perfect preface to summer!

Fed by the snowpack of the Elkhorn Mountains, the Grande Ronde River is characterized by a mix of steep, rugged canyon walls, dense forests, and grassy slopes. The canyon is stunningly beautiful and it provides winter habitat for Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles. Over the centuries Native Americans used the river canyon as a travel corridor, for camping, and for hunting, fishing, and gathering activities. The remains of abandoned homesteads provide a glimpse at life on the river in the early 1900Ős. Large grassy benches make wonderful camps and provide access to easy to moderate hiking opportunities.

THE TRIP
SPRINGTIME IN PARADISE...gentle flows of spring runoff, mild whitewater, wildflower hikes, bird watching...comfortable days and cool evenings, campfires and hot chocolate, wildlife, and glorious forests to explore.

SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS' Grande Ronde dory and raft trips are based out of either Lewiston or Moscow, ID (please check with Sundog for the beginning location of your particular trip). On the eve of your trip we will meet you at your hotel to give you your river bags and answer any last minute questions you may have. We provide almost everything you will need for your trip beginning with a scenic three and a half hour ride by bus or van to your put-in near Minam, Oregon. Lunch will be ready when you arrive and after you eat, your guides will take a few minutes to get you fitted in your lifejacket. Your Grande Ronde trip actually launches on the Wallowa River which flows into the Grande Ronde 10 miles downstream. For the next five days you will float through a deep, remote and forested canyon, exploring and discovering along the way. You will travel a total of 90 river miles before you reach the take-out at Heller Bar, WA on the Snake River and you from there you will be shuttled back to your hotel in Moscow.

Large meadows and benches provide great camping and easy access to hiking opportunities (easy to moderate). Bring you binoculars and your camera - there is so much to see and photographic opportunities abound! The Grande Ronde, with its gentle current and mild whitewater, is a perfect river to try out an inflatable kayak, or you may choose to sit back and enjoy riding in a dory rowed by one of our terrific guides. At camp you can relax and read or join a hike for a spectacular view of the river canyon.

CAMPING ON THE GRANDE RONDE RIVER
In keeping with the nature of the place, SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS provide a participatory experience. We camp daily along the river on beautiful grassy meadows and forest benches among towering Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir trees. In addition to setting up your personal campsite, you may choose to be involved in setting up camp. You will also have the opportunity, if you like, to help the crew in the preparation of meals.

GROUP SIZE
At SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS we choose to run smaller trips than many of our fellow outfitters. This allows you, your fellow travelers and your guides and crew all to get to know each other. Our trips on the Grande Ronde generally range from 8 to 12 participants with 4 to 5 guides and crew. As regulated by the USDA Forest Service our maximum trip size is 25 inclusive of all. Our guest to guide ratio is never greater than four to one.

EXPERIENCE, AGE, FITNESS
This is a wonderful trip for family groups, first time campers, and first time kayakers. We recommend the Grande Ronde for children 8 years of age and older and there is no upper age limit. You should be reasonably healthy because river trips require a certain amount of physical exertion. If you are pregnant, have heart trouble or other serious health concerns please consult your physician before signing up for any river or outdoor adventure trip. People with disabilities and challenges are welcome on Sundog Expeditions trips, please call and talk with us so we can be sure we can safely meet your special requirements. First time campers are welcome and will acquire skills in outdoor living with the help of our very experienced guides. SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS is an equal opportunity service provider.

WEATHER
Spring and early summer on the Wallowa-Grande Ronde can bring warm days, cool nights, and sometimes thundershowers. Daytime temperatures may range from 55-90 degrees with nighttime lows from 40 to 60 degrees . On occasion it may rain throughout the day.

MEALS & FOOD
All meals will be provided on the river from lunch on the first day of your trip through lunch on your take-out day. You will enjoy a wonderful menu of delicious and healthy foods. Fresh Coffee and cooked breakfasts are prepared by your crew at camp each morning. There will be a mid-day lunch stop at one of the many beautiful beaches along the river. And your crew will begin dinner preparations when you reach camp after a day on the river. Appetizers will be followed by a full-course meal and of course a delicious dessert. We are able to accommodate most all dietary preferences and requirements.

BEVERAGES
Fresh filtered drinking water is always available and we servea variety of other beverages including coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, soda, fruit juice, and Gatorade.

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS
provides each guest with a Coast Guard Approved/Type V Lifejacket, all eating utensils (including plates, bowls, and flatware), an insulated coffee mug with lid, a high quality 3-season tent (double occupancy), wetsuits (for inflatable kayakers), waterproof bags for personal gear, and storage for breakable items.

TENTS
To insure your comfort we provide you with a high quality three-season tent (double occupancy). We will teach you how to set it up if you have no experience or are unfamiliar with the equipment. Single occupancy tents are available for a nominal charge.

CLOTHING
Layers are always a good bet, especially in the spring. When you sign up for a trip with SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS, you will receive an information package which will include a detailed list of what you will need to bring with you to be comfortable both on the river and at camp. Once you receive the list call us with any question you still have

SLEEPKITS
Sundog Expeditions has Rental Sleepkits available. Avoid the hassle of traveling with bulky sleeping gear by renting. Sleepkits include a high quality Polarguard filled sleeping bag, a paco (sleeping) pad, a pillow and case, and a ground cloth. Our rental gear is thoroughly laundered between each use and replaced regularly.

BATHING
Your crew will set up a shower tent at one or more camps, so you can enjoy a private and hot shower.

* Sundog Expeditions practices LOW IMPACT camping techniques *

TOILET
In order to keep the camps on the Grande Ronde River clean, we carry out all waste and trash. Each day when you arrive at camp your guides will set up a private portable toilet system. Please don't worry! Your comfort is paramount and your crew will explain everything you need to know at the very beginning your trip!

CAMPFIRES
Campfire are made in a firepan. This lets us avoid scorching the soil and allows us to remove the ash from camp.

LODGING AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Our Grande Ronde River trips are based out of either Lewiston or Moscow, Idaho. Please call our office to verify the details of your particular trip. If departing from Moscow we suggest our guests stay at the Best Western University Inn where our pre-trip meetings are held. If leaving from Lewiston the Red Lion Hotel is our suggestion. For both of these SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS will make your reservations for you. You will be able to store your luggage and valuables at the hotel. If you are driving you can leave your car there as well. The hotel provides shuttle service to and from the Pullman/Moscow Airport.

TRAVEL
When you sign up for a trip with us you will receive a detailed information pack which will include information on travel and accommodations